Are you experiencing nightmares? Or night terrors?

June 3, 8:58 PMAlbuquerque Wellness ExaminerBrandi Bailey

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Are you experiencing nightmares? Or night terrors?

 There is a very distinguishable difference between night terrors and nightmares. Both are very disturbing, but offer its own set of symptoms and characteristics. It may be important for you to realize what exactly you may be experiencing and the best way to try to prevent them.

 Nightmares are the most common type of dream sleep disturbance and are characterized as a type of dream. Nightmares can be found in people of all ages, and generally occur during REM sleep. REM sleep is classified as a stage of sleep where rapid eye movement is found, twitching and quick movements of the eyes. Nightmares most generally occur late in the night or early morning, and while they can be extremely disturbing, are usually recalled after awaken.

Night terrors differ greatly from nightmares. To start, while night terrors can be found in individuals of all ages, night terrors are not commonly seen past the age of 5 and 6 and generally resolve completely by adolescence. Night terrors that are seen in adults, generally result from pent up stress and/or alcohol use. Night terrors may also be caused from a familial trait. Unlike nightmares, night terrors occur during non-REM sleep, and most commonly occur about 90 minutes after the individual falls asleep. There are some main characteristics you will want to keep in mind while trying to differentiate between nightmares and night terrors:

1. While nightmares can be recalled after awoken, night terrors are generally not remembered at all.
2. At the time a night terror occurs, it may seem that the individual may be awake, even if their eyes are open, but it will seem to be almost a trance-like state, as they will be unable to respond to any external stimuli.
3. Night terrors can result in a rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing and sweating. Those who are experiencing night terrors may also seem to thrash and kick about, but are unaware they are doing so.

Night terrors can be caused by a range of things such as stress, other sleep disorders, health issues, and frightening images or movies prior to bed. As mentioned earlier, can also be caused by genetics and alcohol use.

If your nightmares or night terrors have gotten to the point of being disruptive to your overall well being, it may be time to consult your physician. There may be a battery of tests that can be completed to determine if you or your child suffers from these abnormally, though keep in mind, some amount of nightmares and night terrors are normal, and are actually seen as “a part of growing up” and normal development.

There is no true “treatment” for night terrors or nightmares. The best treatment is reassurance and comfort. Some physicians may prescribe some sort of anti-anxiety medication to take before sleep, but will usually try less drastic medication and aides such as an over the counter antihistamine. Some other things that may help in reducing the occurrence of nightmares and terrors are:

• A period of meditation before bed. Reduce external stimuli as much as possible, leaving only calming sounds or music, if necessary.
• Focus on positive things. Make use of imagery and focus on mental pictures that are warming and calming.
• Abstain from alcohol before calling it a night.
• Give yourself a chance to slow down before hitting the sack. Try not to go to bed right after you've exercised or walked in the door from a long hard day at work.
• Some medication can cause sleep disturbances. If you think one of your medications are causing you to have nightmares or terrors, speak with your health care provider about possibly switching your medication or switching it to a better time of day. But only do so at the okay of your doctor.
• Consider seeking out the assistance of a psychologist or psychiatrist if you think your nightmares or night terrors may be more deeply seated. They may be able to help you in more ways that you can imagine.

For more information, you may want to visit the following: 

• Night Terrors on MayoClinic.com
  
• Night Terrors on PDRHealth
• Night Terrors Resource Center

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